Sparknet

In this part of our website, you will find what we call sparks: small independent units of inspiration, information or tuition. Sparks are designed to be explored at will, without necessarily adhering to a pre-determined structure. Some may provide explicit instructions on how to achieve a particular end, others may simply expose the student to culturally significant art works.

coding

Creating Classes (in C++) for Arduino

Creating classes is the biggest step one can take to making code cleaner, more flexible and more usable.

Functions

Functions can help you keep you code clean!

Arrays

An array is a list of things ... its a very useful programming construct, particularly in the Arduino world where memory is limited!

Imagineering and Planning

In this spark we talk about how to take a crazy idea and build something real with it.

Cleaning Up Code

Its no good if you can code - but can't read your code because its always such a mess. Cleaning up is important.

Arduino Bug – Using Modulo to Extend our Animation

Ever wanted to know how computers understand the idea of 'every third time do this' - this is your operation.

sensors

Sensing Sound – Knock Sensor

How to use a piezo as a cheap movement, vibration and sound sensor able to provide a very rich set of values

Ultrasonic Sensors – How far is it?

Light Dependent Resistors

A photoresistor is a powerful analog sensor to get started with. Activate events with light, sense movement, and much more.

actuators

Lighting a LED with Arduino Power

LED light and Arduino power basics

LED Lights and Electricity

LED light basics. Controlling LED light with Arduino.

Artbot Cartesian drawing example.

Progress update on Artbot ... moving away from the Cartesian way of thinking.

Drawing Robot Designs

Piezo: produce bleeps

Play tones and beeps, make melodies!

Blinking LED on Arduino – The Arduino IDE

LED light basics. Controlling LED light with Arduino.

ideas

Playing with Harmonographs

Harmonographs are beautiful patterns that are difficult to simulate but use a very simple mechanical motion!

Creating Classes (in C++) for Arduino

Creating classes is the biggest step one can take to making code cleaner, more flexible and more usable.

How computers think

Computers are not smart at all. Actually, they have ZERO intelligence. All they can do is follow instructions.

Variables

Reserving a box to hold a number (or text)

Software and Hardware

Inputs and Outputs

art

Artbot Cartesian drawing example.

Progress update on Artbot ... moving away from the Cartesian way of thinking.

Playing with Harmonographs

Harmonographs are beautiful patterns that are difficult to simulate but use a very simple mechanical motion!

Drawing Robot Designs

Jean Tinguely

An artist who explored the beauty of machines

the latest sparks

Robot Dreaming/Coding

Explore the Abstraction.

The Geometry of Differential Drive.

Differential Drive.

How would we build one? 

The Life of the Mind

random sparks

Welcome to Polygon Door

Imagine a door that can open onto anywhere at anytime. Its a door we have to actually step through in order to find out what exists on the other side.

Recycling Motorised Toys

Hot Glue it

A hot glue gun is a powerful tool for hacking things together quickly, trying ideas, and tidying up cable runs.

Ultrasonic Sensors – How far is it?

Artbot Cartesian drawing example.

Progress update on Artbot ... moving away from the Cartesian way of thinking.

HackySoc: WIFI and EMail Configuration

HackySoc turns your Arduino into an Internet of Things thing - and that is just the beginning.